Review: Flynn of the Bin by Josh Fordham

Everyone is different; we all have a tale. 

Flynn of the Bin is a magical story that will put a smile on your face. It is happy and upbeat.

illustrated by M Isnaeni & Delly Yusyar

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 17th March 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 25

RRP: AU$18.28 Paperback (current price on AmazonAu)

Source: Courtesy of the author

Flynn is just an ordinary boy like you or me ..........but he lives in a bin.

He is teased by his peers for living in a bin. Flynn doesn't mind because they don't know what's inside. He invites them all to come closer and have a look.

Josh Fordham has written a super fun and imaginative story based on the old saying "don't judge a book, or in this case bin, by its cover."

With a whirl of colour and sounds the children taunting Flynn are transported inside the bin, and what they find is an enviable world of delights.

Magical realism comes to life in Flynn of the Bin. Ask any child what they would like to do for fun and it's sure to be there in Flynn's bin.

Full colour double page spreads, with cartoon style illustrations, by Isnaeni and Yusyar bring the stinky bins and unimaginable fun to life on the page.

The large text is child friendly and easy to read and the rhyme flows well when read aloud.

Fordham champions curiosity and knowing the facts before judging someone or something. Flynn of the Bin tells the reader to take the time to look closer at something, you never know what you might find.

What would you like to find in a magical bin that takes you to another world? 

Jay wanted some technical gaming thing that I didn't even understand. 😂

My rating 5 / 5 🗑🗑🗑🗑🗑

Recommended age: 3 - 7 years

#flynnofthebin #childrenspicturebook #magicalrealismforkids #ausbookbloggers #aussieauthor #kidsbooks 

Review: Through the Garden Gate by Sharon Rose

Through the Garden Gate by Sharon Rose is a magical story book brimming with the beauty of nature. It is an enchanting tale that will entrance and delight young readers, sparking wonder at the magic of gardening.

 illustrated by Erin Brown

Publisher: The Collective Book Studio

Publication date: 7th April 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: US$19.95 (hardcover)

Source: eCopy courtesy of the author

Miles is bored, wishing something exciting would happen. His mother suggests he help their neighbour, Miss Mary, with weeding her garden. He could also have a play with her dog.

Miles asks Miss Mary what's at the end of the garden. She said he was welcome to go down and have a look. Miles finds a gate so tiny he had to crawl through. Everywhere he looked there were flowers opening up before his eyes. Then tiny fairies came out to play. But, the fairy garden was being invaded by weeds and the flowers were wilting. They needed Miles to venture into the unknown and fix the problem.

Bright, beautiful illustrations by Erin Brown showcase the exquisiteness of a garden in full bloom. Awash with colour the illustrations will captivate young minds. The intricate detailing catches the eye and encourages the reader to linger and look closer at the extra detail and delightful flowers everywhere.

Through the Garden Gate is a story that champions curiosity and bravery. The unknown is only the unknown until you find the courage to go there.

End pages are filled with information on some of the plants and animals featured in the book.

Through the Garden Gate is the perfect first fantasy/magical realism story for young readers. The story is easily imagined and not too complicated.

This is the perfect story for budding gardeners, to imagine and build their own little fairy garden.

My rating 5 / 5 🌹🧚🌹🧚🌹

Publisher recommended age: 4 - 8 years

#throughthegardengate #childrenspicturebook #childrensbooksonnature 

Review: Bravepaw and the Fangstone of Flintfall by L. M. Wilkinson

It was so much fun to be back with the adorable Titch and friends in Bravepaw and the Fangstone of Flintfall, the third book in the A Tale of Adventure series.

In the first two books Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria and Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire  we learn that Titch is the chosen one, the new Bravepaw. She must find the missing Gems of Harmony to complete the staff and save Alluria.

I would advise to start this series from book one to learn how this little team of adventurers met. However, saying that, there is enough backstory to not feel lost and a new quest is started and completed in each book.

This book was amazing L. M. Wilkinson knows how to captivate a young audience and keep them glued to the pages. Bravepaw and the Fangstone of Flintfall is rich in adventure, danger, prophecies and a puzzle for our little protagonist to solve.

Old friends from previous books will reappear when needed, new friends will be made and Titch's trust will be betrayed.

Mythical creatures help out Titch, Huckleberry and Briar after they befriended them through kindness and bravery. A lavender wolf is saved from a trap and a misunderstood rock monster becomes an unlikely ally. Showing that kindness, patience and understanding go a long way to making new friends.

Bravepaw and the Fangstone of Flintfall is a fast paced story about being brave, making hard decisions and trusting your instincts. The story has underlying themes of empathy and helping others.

"Being brave is doing the right thing even when its scary." - Titch (Bravepaw and the Fangstone of Flintwood)

Expressively illustrated by Lavanya Naidu. The black and white half and full page illustrations, dispersed throughout the novel, showcase the characters, both good and evil. Large print and enchanting illustrations make this suitable for even the youngest readers. Changes in text style and size help to emphasise certain words and make them pop from the page.

I absolutely love this series and if you have a reluctant reader this is the series to give them. Guaranteed un-put-downable and sure to be read over and over. Bravepaw and the Fangstone of Flintfall will have your child hooked on fantasy.

There are more stones to find to complete the staff and I am looking forward to this ongoing adventure.

My rating 5 / 5 🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺

Recommended age: 5 - 12 years

Publisher recommended age: 7 - 11 years

Content: not so scary monsters

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Imprint: Albert Street Books

Series: A Tail of Adventure #3

Publication date: 3rd March 2026

Genre: Middle Grade / Junior Fiction

Pages: 208

RRP: AU$16.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#bravepawandthefangstoneofflintfall #lmwilkinson #middlegradebooks #middlegradefantasy #illustratedmiddlegrade #australianauthor #ausbookbloggers

 

Mailbox Monday - 1st June 2026

MAILBOX MONDAY

On Mondays I will be posting the new books I have received for review, won and purchased over the previous week / month.

 Books for review:

Flynn of the Bin by Josh Fordham

Published by: Independently Published

on 17th March 2026

About the book:

Flynn looks like any other kid - except he lives in a bin. People make assumptions, jokes are made, and noses are held… but not everything is as it seems...!
Funny, warm and full of heart, Flynn of the Bin invites young readers to look a little closer, ask questions, and discover that some of the most amazing stories are hidden where you least expect them.

Spot the Dot by Kris Herbert

Published by EK Books

on 9th June 2026

About the book:

Meet Spot. A dot from what? Poor Spot forgot. Spot the Dot tells the story of a little dot trying to find his place in the world. When he realizes he’s forgotten where he came from, Spot goes on a journey of discovery. Is Spot a lost full stop? Or did he fall from a mushroom top? Along the way, Spot finds there are many wonderful places he might belong. Simple, rhythmic and graphic, Spot the Dot is a universal story of belonging and finding your own path.

Margo the Magpie's Wish by Terri Walls

Published by: Independently Published

on 1st November 2025

About the book:

Margo the magpie wishes she could laugh like a kookaburra or dazzle like a rainbow lorikeet.

But after a gentle chat with wise Daddy Magpie, she begins to see her own special qualities…and

makes one final wish.

The Billywood Chronicles by Caroline Jones

Published by Hawkeye Publishing

on 17th May 2026

About the book:

Some secrets protect you.

This one could kill him.

Billywood is a haven for twelve-year-old introvert, Jack. For his Grandad, it's a place of secrets. And for Eloy, it's the perfect spot to snatch Jack away.

Dragged through the portal into Orbis - a breathtaking but deadly world - Jack learns of The Deaths, a creeping for destroying everything in its path. If Orbis falls, Earth won't be far behind.

Someone has to stop them.

Turns out, that someone is Jack.

Shifters by Nicole Kelly

Published by Hawkeye Publishing

on 5th June 2026

About the book:

When Emily moves to Japan with her father, nothing feels familiar - she doesn't speak the language, she doesn't understand the culture, and she's never felt more alone.

But everything changes in Kyoto, when she meets Koji - a boy with a mysterious connection to the spirit world. As ancient magic stirs and dark forces begin to close in, Emily is drawn into a hidden world of shapeshifters and secrets.

If I Were Prime Minister by Trygve Skaug

Published by Lantana Publishing

on 26th may 2026

About the book:

A young boy gives his perspective on several things the grown-ups running the country could do differently.

How much happier would we be if all the adults went to nursery once a month to remind themselves how to play? How much safer would we be if Christmas lights were left up all year round to light everyone's way home?

This hilarious picture book treats profound topics with sensitivity and care. This is a book for all those children who dare to dream big and for all those adults who want to look on the world with fresh eyes.

#flynnofthebin #shifters #thebillywoodchronicles #margothemagieswish #spotthedot #ifiwasprimeminister #childrenspicturebooks #newrelease #reviewbooks #middlegradereads #australianauthors #bookmail #ausbookbloggers

Review: Belong by Sharon Seymour

This gorgeous picture book with its heartwarming story, spare use of words and exquisite illustrations brought tears to my eyes. 

Belong is a story of finding your place in a world that is new to you.

illustrated by Freya Goldsmith

Publisher: WestWords Ltd

Imprint: WestWords Children's

Publication date: 1st April 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 28

RRP: AU$24.95 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Belong is a story about wanting to belong. Wanting to fit in and blend in with your peers, wishing to be one of the cool group and ultimately accepting that to be yourself is to be unique. 

The story starts with the most gorgeous bird, like a colourful rainbow flamingo, as he  moves from the nest, into the world, he wishes to be like everyone else. He can't fly like the other birds. He's not one of the popular kids. With his long legs and bright colours he doesn't blend in. He has trouble making friends until he comes across a tiny penguin. They become friends and look after each other. With kindness you will find where you fit in.

Okay, I can't read this without tearing up but children won't see the heart-wrenching (it has a happy ending) act of someone trying and failing to fit into a societal norm. What they will see is themselves and how they navigate a new environment, discover the beauty of friendship, and the acceptance of yourself just as you are.

Belong is the heartwarming debut picture book by Sharon Seymour. Superbly illustrated by Freya Goldsmith, she has certainly secured a place in the children's picture book world.

Using animals, in this case birds, to show human emotions is a safe way for children to navigate and understand their own emotions and open avenues for discussion on kindness and friendship.

Belong is the perfect book for your little one as they venture out into the world for the first time whether it be preschool or kindergarten fitting in and making friends can be difficult for some children.

Children love to read books well before they can recognise words and Freya Goldsmith's expressive and whimsical illustrations allow even pre-readers to tell their own story.

My rating 5 / 5 🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩

Recommended age: 3+ years

#belong #childrenspicturebook #kidsbooksonfittingin #australianauthor

Review: Treeshape by Trace Balla

 The shape of a tree, the shape of me - Trace Balla

I loved Trace Balla's Leaf-Light; its feel of tranquility, sense of community and one with nature, and right from the cover of Treeshape I felt that same tranquility and connection to nature.

illustrated by Trace Balla

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 3rd march 2026

Genre: Graphic Novel / Memoir

Pages: 136

RRP: AU$32.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Treeshape is Trace Balla's own story. A personal story from the heart.

"Ever since I was a kid my favourite place has always been up a tree." - Trace Balla

Treeshape is a heartfelt memoir written as a graphic novel. It is a story filled with compassion and a deep appreciation of place.

Trace Balla uses visual storytelling. Trees have always been her go-to safety place. The book is exquisitely illustrated and hugely detailed. It is not a book that would be read in one sitting. The more you return to the story the more you see. 

Treeshape is not only a remarkable memoir it is also a visual delight. Presented with a combination of black & white sketches and real photos as layered images. Photos of the big old trees that matter most to Balla are included, giving the reader real glimpses of our natural world.

Treeshape is a book to ponder over and marvel in the beauty and scope of our natural world as Trace Balla takes her reader along as she travels around Australia. 

Treeshape is a unique masterpiece. certainly not like anything I've seen before.

The story showcases Trace Balla's love for the environment and her deep appreciation of place and connection with First Nation peoples.

My rating 5 / 5 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

Recommended age: 10+ years

#treeshape #traceballa #memoir #graphicnovel #booksonnature 

Review: Maddy's Towers by Inbal Alon

Maddy's Towers by Inbal Alon is a tender and sensitive story about friendship, forgiveness and resilience.

illustrated by Mandira Biswas 

Publisher: Purple Works Press

Publication date: 28th April 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

RRP: AU$21.51 (softcover Amazon)

Source: eCopy from the author

Maddy comes home from school upset, as her friend Mei had betrayed her trust. Mei had told their classmates Maddy's secret and everyone laughed at her.

Inbal Alon uses a block tower as a metaphor for trust. Maddy's mother explains to her that as Maddy and Mei's friendship grows blocks are added to the tower and when Mei told Maddy's secret the tower of trust was knocked down.

The next day at school Maddy approaches Mei with kindness and Mei acknowledges that she shouldn't have told Maddy's secret. Maddy asks Mei to sit with her at lunch. 

I loved how Maddy showed great forgiveness qualities however I do think Mei could have actually said she was sorry. (There is scope for discussion there).

It was now up to Maddy and Mei to start building the tower of trust again, through acts of kindness, building one block at a time.

I liked that Inbal Alon shows that friendships sometimes have rough periods and it is nice to give someone a second chance. The story also opens the opportunity for talk on resilience and thinking how you would feel if everyone was laughing at you.

There is also scope for discussion on empathy and what you can do to speak up if everyone is laughing at someone else.

Mandira Biswas' illustrations are endearing and give off a calming vibe that match the overall theme of friendship building.

Maddy's Towers is a simple story that opens up a wide area of discussion with young children.

The book's end pages have ideas to prompt talk about trust and feelings and a card making activity.

My rating 5 / 5 🧊🧊🧊🧊🧊

Recommended age: 5 - 10 years

#maddystowers #inbalalon #childrenspicturebook #kidsbooksontrust #booksonfriendship #ausbookbloggers #kidsbookswelove #littlesquirrelsbookshelf